Q

My daughter sprained her ankle but it still hurts. How do we know when to come see you?

A

If your child still has open growth plates, typically 16-18 and younger, you need to come in for an x-ray and a full exam right away. In children, the weakest point is the growth plates; in adults it is the ligaments. Therefore, it is very rare for a child to "sprain their ankle". Typically it is a growth plate injury or fracture. It must be fully evaluated and properly treated to avoid further damage and potential growth disruption.